Given that y = ax² + 8x + 6 passes through (2, 30), find the value of a.
The math teacher looked smug, a self-satisfied expression gradually spreading across his face.
He was certain these children had never even seen a quadratic function.
Although the method for solving this problem was much the same as that of the linear function problem earlier, a question like this could easily intimidate people.
Dressed up to look more sophisticated than a linear function, it could scare them into giving up.
The math teacher thought smugly at the front of the classroom, his gaze fixed firmly on Richie.
If Richie or any of the classmates beside him made the slightest move, he could insist that Richie was cheating. Even if Richie gave the correct answer, he could refuse to acknowledge it.
Anya and Richie heard every bit of the math teacher's scheming loud and clear.
Anya was shocked. What should I do? Richie's in danger!
The bad teacher's going to bully Richie!
While Anya panicked, at a complete loss, Richie spoke calmly, without a trace of unease:
"The answer is a = 2."
When Richie gave his answer, every student in the class turned to look at him.
A flicker of panic crossed the math teacher's face after Richie answered.
He apparently hadn't expected Richie to get it right. Would he now have to admit in front of the entire class that he had falsely accused Richie?
No! Absolutely not! That cannot happen!
How could a teacher like me apologize to a student?
After roaring inwardly, the math teacher's expression turned vicious. His bloodshot eyes brimmed with a cruelty that seemed ready to tear everything apart.
"I saw the student beside you tell you the answer! Richie Forger, you never learn! All you ever